No crime increase from video gambling: survey

Darien police contact 13 suburbs

Communities that allow video gambling at liquor establishments have not seen an increase in crime and criminal activity, according to a limited survey conducted by the Darien Police Department.

Darien Police Chief Ernest Brown told the City Council last week that's what the 13 suburbs contacted said about video gambling. "One suburb actually told us they reported higher than expected revenues (from the machines)," he said.

In March, the city approved an ordinance allowing video gambling, but told liquor establishments it could rescind the ordinance if gaming was determined not to be a good fit for the community.

The questions on the police survey involved criminal activity, vehicular and pedestrian traffic issues and other concerns expressed by citizens in those communities, Brown said.

Bryon Vana, city administrator, said four Darien businesses are applying or waiting for a license from the Illinois Gaming Board to purchase video gaming terminals.

Vana said the city will email a newsletter to residents advising them to contact their aldermen if they have any issues about video gambling. The City Council also asked the chief to survey several more communities, including Berwyn, Brookfield, Countryside and Oak Lawn.

Mayor Kathleen Weaver told the City Council that most residents have not complained about video gambling. "I have had no one come up to me and say 'you shouldn't do this,'" Weaver said.

The city council agreed to revisit the issue and make a final decision about the ordinance in a few months.

The Illinois General Assembly — which first approved video gambling in May 2009 — put a provision in the law that allows communities to opt out of video gambling. After more than three years of negotiations and delays, the first machines were turned on at some bars in October..

The law allows up to five video poker machines to be installed at truck stops, fraternal organizations and establishments that hold a liquor license. Some of the revenues from the machines will go to bar owners and to fund state capital improvement projects.